Post-punk
Bubble
Interest
Post-punk is a music-centered community that formed in the late 1970s, uniting artists and fans drawn to experimental approaches upon p...Show more
Post-punk
Bubble
Interest
Post-punk is a music-centered community that formed in the late 1970s, uniting artists and fans drawn to experimental approaches upon punk rock’s ashes, blending in art-rock, funk, electronic, and avant-garde influences.
Statistics
Estimated Global Reach
1.3M
Popularity
Medium
Regional Hotspot
Worldwide
Country Hotspots
GB
+2
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General Q&A
Post-punk centers on sonic experimentation, a strong DIY ethos, and pushing boundaries far beyond punk's simplicity, blending music, art, and alternative culture.
Community Q&A
Post-punk centers on sonic experimentation, a strong DIY ethos, and pushing boundaries far beyond punk's simplicity, blending music, art, and alternative culture.
The community thrives through DIY networks—organizing gigs, trading media, collaborating on art, and finding each other via clubs, labels, and now internet groups.
Community Q&A
Summary
Key Findings
Cultural Hubs
Community DynamicsPost-punk insiders view labels like Factory and clubs like The Hacienda as vital cultural hubs, not mere venues or distributors, shaping collective identity and fostering cross-disciplinary connections beyond just music.
DIY Hierarchies
Gatekeeping PracticesThe DIY ethos creates informal hierarchies where respected members lead through fanzines, tape trading and organizing, reinforcing status without mainstream validation or commercial success.
Aesthetic Signals
Identity MarkersWearing black andatonous or androgynous fashion is a deliberate identity marker, signaling membership and shared values of alienation and avant-garde rebellion that outsiders often overlook.
Genre Misconceptions
Insider PerspectiveInsiders resent outsiders confusing post-punk as just punk; they emphasize its avant-garde experimentation and interdisciplinary art scene ties, a complex perspective rarely grasped outside the bubble.
Sub Groups
Classic Post-punk Fans
Fans focused on the original late 1970s and 1980s bands and sound.
Modern/Post-2000 Post-punk
Fans and artists engaged with the genre's revival and contemporary acts.
Regional Scenes
Local communities centered around specific cities or countries with strong post-punk traditions.
Collectors & Archivists
Enthusiasts dedicated to rare releases, memorabilia, and historical documentation.
Visual Aesthetics & Fashion
Members interested in the visual, fashion, and design elements of post-punk culture.
Statistics and Demographics
Platform Distribution
1 / 4
YouTube
22%YouTube is a primary hub for music discovery, sharing, and discussion, with extensive post-punk content, rare tracks, interviews, and community engagement in comments.
Reddit
15%Reddit hosts active post-punk subreddits where fans discuss bands, share music, and explore the genre's history and evolution.
Discord
10%Discord servers provide real-time chat and community spaces for post-punk fans to share music, organize listening parties, and discuss related topics.
Gender & Age Distribution
Ideological & Social Divides
Community Development
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Insider Knowledge
Terminology
Inside Jokes
"Have you tried turning the post-punk dial up past 11?"
A playful nod to the genre’s tendency to push sonic boundaries past punk’s raw simplicity, also riffing on the famous 'turn it up to 11' from rock lore.
Facts & Sayings
„DIY“
Stands for 'Do It Yourself'; captures the ethos of creating and distributing music, art, and culture independently, often outside mainstream commercial channels.
„Cold wave“
A genre term used among post-punk communities for a style characterized by detached vocals, minimalist arrangements, and icy synths, signaling a specific aesthetic within post-punk.
„No wave“
Refers to an experimental underground movement in late-70s New York City that rejected punk's simplicity, celebrated noise and dissonance, and heavily influenced post-punk’s avant-garde direction.
„The Hacienda“
An iconic nightclub in Manchester regarded as a cultural landmark within post-punk history; mentioning it signals deep insider knowledge of post-punk's UK scene and club culture.
Unwritten Rules
Never compromise your artistic vision to chase mainstream success.
Staying true to experimental and independent values is crucial to maintaining authenticity within the post-punk community.
Produce and share your own work whenever possible—whether tapes, zines, or art.
The DIY ethic underpins community bonds and cultural transmission, so participation in grassroots creation is highly valued.
Respect the genre’s diversity—don’t dismiss substyles like cold wave or no wave as 'not real post-punk.'
Understanding the spectrum of sounds and attitudes prevents gatekeeping and honors post-punk’s experimental spirit.
Support local scenes and venues as they are cultural lifeblood, not just entertainment spots.
Cultural hubs are where collaboration and innovation flourish; neglecting them risks starving the community’s growth.
Fictional Portraits
1 / 3
Liam, 28
Music JournalistmaleLiam grew up immersed in alternative music scenes and now writes extensively about post-punk’s evolution and resurgence.
AuthenticityInnovationCommunity Support
Motivations
- Discovering and sharing hidden gems within the post-punk genre
- Exploring the artistic and experimental boundaries of music
- Connecting with like-minded enthusiasts for inspiration and collaboration
Challenges
- Keeping up with a vast, often underground music scene
- Balancing subjective taste with objective critique for his audience
- Finding new material that hasn’t been overly covered
Platforms
Reddit post-punk communitiesMusic forumsTwitter music threads
No waveart-rockdub echopost-punk revival
Insights & Background
Historical Timeline
Main Subjects
1 / 3
Organizations
1 / 3
First Steps & Resources
Get-Started Steps
Time to basics: 2-3 weeks
1
Listen to Seminal Albums
4-6 hoursBasic
Summary: Explore foundational post-punk albums to understand the genre’s sound and evolution.
Details: Begin by immersing yourself in the core sounds of post-punk. Seek out influential albums from the late 1970s and early 1980s, as these works shaped the genre’s identity. Listen actively—pay attention to instrumentation, production, lyrical themes, and the experimental elements that distinguish post-punk from punk. Take notes on recurring motifs, mood, and how different bands interpret the genre. Common challenges include distinguishing post-punk from related genres and not knowing where to start; overcome this by referencing curated lists from respected music publications or community forums. This step is crucial for building a foundational ear and vocabulary. Evaluate your progress by being able to identify hallmark post-punk sounds and discuss key albums with others.
2
Read Genre Histories
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Study the origins, influences, and evolution of post-punk through articles and books.
Details: Deepen your understanding by reading about post-punk’s cultural context, major movements, and its relationship to punk, art-rock, and other genres. Look for articles, documentaries, and books that explore the scene’s development, key figures, and regional variations (e.g., UK vs. US). Beginners often struggle with the genre’s broad scope and overlapping influences—focus on overviews before diving into niche subgenres. This step helps you appreciate the genre’s diversity and its social/artistic motivations. Assess your progress by being able to summarize post-punk’s origins and articulate what sets it apart from other genres.
3
Join Online Post-punk Communities
1-2 hoursBasic
Summary: Participate in forums or social groups to discuss music, share discoveries, and ask questions.
Details: Engage with other fans and musicians in online spaces dedicated to post-punk. Introduce yourself, read community guidelines, and join discussions about favorite bands, new releases, and historical debates. Share your listening experiences and ask for recommendations. Beginners may feel intimidated by the depth of knowledge in these communities; overcome this by being respectful, open to learning, and contributing thoughtfully. This step is vital for connecting with the living culture of post-punk and staying updated on new developments. Progress is measured by your comfort in participating and the quality of your interactions.
1
Listen to Seminal Albums
4-6 hoursBasic
Summary: Explore foundational post-punk albums to understand the genre’s sound and evolution.
Details: Begin by immersing yourself in the core sounds of post-punk. Seek out influential albums from the late 1970s and early 1980s, as these works shaped the genre’s identity. Listen actively—pay attention to instrumentation, production, lyrical themes, and the experimental elements that distinguish post-punk from punk. Take notes on recurring motifs, mood, and how different bands interpret the genre. Common challenges include distinguishing post-punk from related genres and not knowing where to start; overcome this by referencing curated lists from respected music publications or community forums. This step is crucial for building a foundational ear and vocabulary. Evaluate your progress by being able to identify hallmark post-punk sounds and discuss key albums with others.
2
Read Genre Histories
2-3 hoursBasic
Summary: Study the origins, influences, and evolution of post-punk through articles and books.
Details: Deepen your understanding by reading about post-punk’s cultural context, major movements, and its relationship to punk, art-rock, and other genres. Look for articles, documentaries, and books that explore the scene’s development, key figures, and regional variations (e.g., UK vs. US). Beginners often struggle with the genre’s broad scope and overlapping influences—focus on overviews before diving into niche subgenres. This step helps you appreciate the genre’s diversity and its social/artistic motivations. Assess your progress by being able to summarize post-punk’s origins and articulate what sets it apart from other genres.
3
Join Online Post-punk Communities
1-2 hoursBasic
Summary: Participate in forums or social groups to discuss music, share discoveries, and ask questions.
Details: Engage with other fans and musicians in online spaces dedicated to post-punk. Introduce yourself, read community guidelines, and join discussions about favorite bands, new releases, and historical debates. Share your listening experiences and ask for recommendations. Beginners may feel intimidated by the depth of knowledge in these communities; overcome this by being respectful, open to learning, and contributing thoughtfully. This step is vital for connecting with the living culture of post-punk and staying updated on new developments. Progress is measured by your comfort in participating and the quality of your interactions.
4
Attend Local or Virtual Events
1 evening or 2-3 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Experience post-punk live by going to concerts, DJ nights, or streaming performances.
Details: Seek out live experiences—local gigs, club nights, or online events featuring post-punk bands and DJs. If in-person options are limited, look for livestreams or recorded performances. Pay attention to the atmosphere, audience, and how the music is presented. Beginners may find it challenging to locate events or feel out of place; start with smaller venues or online gatherings, and consider going with a friend. This step is important for understanding post-punk’s communal and performative aspects. Evaluate your progress by reflecting on how live experiences deepen your appreciation of the genre.
5
Explore DIY Creation
2-5 hoursIntermediate
Summary: Experiment with making post-punk-inspired music, art, or writing to engage creatively.
Details: Channel your inspiration by creating something post-punk—compose simple tracks using accessible software, write zine-style reviews, or make visual art inspired by the genre’s aesthetics. Use basic recording tools or free digital platforms to start. Beginners often worry about lack of skill; focus on experimentation and expression rather than perfection. Share your creations in beginner-friendly spaces for feedback. This step is crucial for internalizing post-punk’s DIY ethos and developing a personal connection to the community. Progress is measured by your willingness to create and share, not technical mastery.
Welcoming Practices
„Handing out homemade zines or mixtapes to newcomers.“
A ritualistic way to introduce newcomers to the community’s ethos and aesthetics, signaling openness and sharing of culture.
Beginner Mistakes
Assuming post-punk is just a trend or derivative of punk without its own identity.
Listen to key albums and read fanzines to grasp the genre’s unique experimental approaches and philosophies.
Wearing punk or goth fashion superficially without understanding its symbolic depth.
Engage with the music and history to appreciate the meaning behind stylistic choices like black attire or androgyny.
Facts
Regional Differences
North America
North American post-punk scenes like New York's 'no wave' were more abrasive and experimental, emphasizing noise and dissonance more than some UK scenes which incorporated funk and dance.
Europe
UK post-punk was often tied to club culture and labels like Factory, with a strong connection between scenes and iconic venues such as The Hacienda.
Misconceptions
Misconception #1
Post-punk is just punk rock with a fancier haircut.
Reality
Post-punk is a distinct movement focused on experimentation and artistic boundary-pushing beyond punk’s straightforwardness.
Misconception #2
All post-punk bands sound gloomy and depressing.
Reality
While often disaffected, post-punk also incorporated dance rhythms, funk, and electronic influences, creating a dynamic and varied sound palette.
Misconception #3
Post-punk died in the early 1980s and has no relevance today.
Reality
Post-punk’s legacy dynamically continues through new bands, reissues, and a vibrant online community revitalizing its spirit globally.
Clothing & Styles
Black clothing
Symbolizes the somber, existential tone of post-punk; black attire also aligns with the 'goth' aesthetic often embraced by community members.
Androgynous fashion
Rejects traditional gender norms, emphasizing ambiguity to mirror post-punk's challenge to societal conventions and its artfully unorthodox identity.
